Sleeping Bag

Lakeside 3Lb sleeping bag will keep your warm in 40 degree + conditions. Great for camp outs, sleep overs and more. With a 33 inch width and 75 inch length, you should be covered from head to toe. Polyester construction is quilted thru to assist all materials stay in place for your added warmth. Customer Care at 1-800-325-4121 or www.wenzelco.com

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There’s nothing like a camping trip with the family to create some unforgettable memories and bonding time. Getting away from the daily grind to explore the great outdoors can be both relaxing and energizing. But before you go, make sure you have made the necessary preparations with this essential camping gear list:

Food

Part of the fun of camping is having the opportunity to prepare and eat your meals outdoors – the fresh smell of coffee and eggs – wafting through the air. One easy breakfast recipe, Hillbilly Trash Breakfast, uses aluminum foil to cook hash browns, eggs, sausage or ham, and cheese together for a delicious start to the day with easy clean-up. And of course, no camping trip is complete without a hot dog roast and s’mores under the stars.

Sleeping bags

Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes and use different materials for insulation. Before choosing a sleeping bag, consider what kind of camping you are going to do. Are you a summer weekend camper who likes to head to a state park? Or maybe you’d like to try something more serious. For casual campers who like to just get outdoors during the warmer months, a basic sleeping bag should suffice. For those who want to try their hand at camping in cooler or more inclement weather, consider a “mummy” sleeping bag with insulation for up to zero degrees.

Tent

Tents come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Make sure to really shop around before making your purchase. Consider, are you a family of four or more? A two-room tent might be ideal for you. If you’re just starting out with a spouse or friend, you could get by with a two-person tent. Tents also come with or without screened-in porches, ideal for storing shoes and other miscellaneous items.

Water

You’ll need lots of water when camping – for drinking and cooking. It’s a good idea to stock up on individualized water bottles. For those using water from a campground source, you might need to sterilize it first. A portable water filter is your best bet to ensuring the water is safe to drink. These filters remove bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and chemicals.

First Aid Kit

Definitely do not go camping without a first aid kit. Well-stocked first aid kits include: bandages and gauze of various sizes, antiseptic cream, sterile wipes and rinse solutions, pain medicine, tweezers and scissors, sunburn relief spray, and anti-diarrhea medicine.

Flashlight

For those late-night calls to the bathroom, a flashlight is essential. No matter how close you may be camped out near the facilities, you’ll need a flashlight to see your way. Choose a sturdy flashlight that has been designed for outdoor use.

Utility Knife

For all the tools that you use at the campground, a quality utility knife will be one of the most versatile. Always keep your utility knife clean and sharp. A dull knife is a dangerous instrument. Always hold the utility knife firmly by the handle and cut away from the body. Knives should not be used to pry something open or as a screwdriver.

Rain Gear

Don’t forget clothing for any inclement weather you may encounter. That means a complete change of clothes, in case the ones you’re wearing get wet. A rain jacket always comes in handy for when the weather turns wet.

Lantern

Once the sun goes down, it can get pretty dark around the campsite, save the light from the campfire. Always bring along a lantern to provide additional lighting. You can purchase a lantern fairly inexpensively.

Camp Stove

Unless you’re skillful at cooking over an open fire, a camp stove will be necessary for cooking most of your meals. Like lanterns, camp stoves are inexpensive items that use the same fuels as lanterns.

Arguably the lightest portable hammock on the market, the UltraLight Travel Hammock is made to go anywhere. These rugged yet stylish hammocks are constructed from a durable nylon-blend material. Ideal for backpackers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts because it dries almost instantly and is mildew resistant. Quickly pack up your UltraLight Hammock into the built-in stuff sack and you are on your way to a new adventure. All UltraLight hammocks come with FREE hanging kit ($4.99 valu (more…)

With the skyrocketing prices of gas and food, many families simply cannot afford to hop on a plane and head to an exotic locale for their yearly family vacation anymore. However, don’t let the economic downturn ruin your plans to have a family vacation this year. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to have a family vacation on a budget is to go camping.

There are a variety of campgrounds across the US so you don’t have to go very far to enjoy a unique camping adventure. Because you won’t have to travel a long way, you will save on gas and thus help to preserve our environment. For an eco-friendly vacation that is equally friendly on your pocket book, go camping for your next family vacation. Whether you want to head to a campground in an RV, stay in a cabin, or pitch a tent, there are numerous activities you and your family can enjoy in the wild.

Activities Families Can Enjoy on a Camping Trip

When you go camping there are activities appropriate for family members of all ages. Some common activities associated with camping include: golfing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, biking, river rafting, hiking, caving, and bathing in hot springs. Many campgrounds also have activities especially for children. Whether you want to relax and read a book by the waterside or enjoy adventurous activities and get some exercise, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained on a camping trip. Also, don’t forget the classic camping activities such as telling stories around the campfire and making s’mores.

Accommodation Options

If you’d like to enjoy the conveniences you have back at home on your camping trip, consider renting a cabin or traveling in an RV. Approximately seven million Americans now own RVs, making them a popular vacation option. Camping out in an RV or staying in a cabin is certainly a more comfortable option but if you are on a tight budget, consider pitching a tent. All you need to go tent camping are tents, sleeping bags, and other basic supplies.

If you have never been tent camping and you have young children, consider trying it out for a night in your own backyard first to get everyone used to it.

Food on a Camping Trip

When you go camping, one of the areas you save the most money in is food. You typically won’t spend any more money than you would if you stayed at home. If you have an RV you can prepare all of your food in its kitchenette but if you are traveling by car, you may need to take a camping stove and other supplies with you, depending on what facilities are available at your campground. It’s a good idea to take all of the food you think you’ll need so you don’t have to spend your vacation at the super market. Plus there may not be much available near your campground.

In conclusion, it’s possible to have a fun-filled family vacation without breaking the bank. There’s no need to travel halfway across the world to give your family a vacation to remember when you can take a local camping trip and have a blast. Go to a campground close to natural attractions so you can enjoy all that nature has to offer while saving money on food, activities, and accommodations.